Albayalde visits Isabela town police chief killed in drug operation

CAGAYAN VALLEY, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde paid his respects to a town police chief who was killed in action during an anti-drug operation.

In a somber ceremony, Albayalde placed the “Medalya ng Kadakilaan” (Medal of Valor) on top of the casket, posthumously  awarding Senior Inspector Michael Tubaña, police chief of Mallig town in Isabela province, at his wake in Gamu town on Tuesday, June 19.

Tubaña was killed in action on Sunday, June 17, after sustaining a gunshot wound when he was fired at by drug suspects who were resisting arrest during a buy-bust operation.

Reports said one of the suspects, identified as Warren Bulawit, drew a firearm and was able to shoot Tubaña in the right side of his body. Tubaña was brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Bulawit tested positive in paraffin tests. He and his companion, a male minor, tested positive in a drug test.

Murder charges have since been filed against the suspects.

On Tuesday, Albayalde praised Tubaña’s “sacrifice” and “bravery” to ensure peace and order.

“To lay one’s life for the purpose of preserving peace and order for the glory of God is not as easy as pulling a trigger to disable the target and your death is a supreme sacrifice. We will continue to intensify our campaign on anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs in the country to achieve a peaceful community,” Albayalde said.

Tubaña was a graduate of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in 2011. – Rappler.com